Abreu wants to finish career with Chicago White Sox
It's going to be a long season for the Chicago White Sox and, given the early stage of the rebuilding process, you can safely make that plural.
Jose Abreu is entering his fourth year as the Sox's first baseman and he has not come close to experiencing the thrill of the playoffs.
One of just seven players in history to have 100 RBI in each of his first three seasons, Abreu is an obvious trade candidate for a team in the White Sox's situation.
General manager Rick Hahn said several veteran players approached him during spring training and expressed a desire to stay on through the rebuild.
The 30-year-old Abreu, under contract through the 2019 season, knows he might be moved but hopes to stay with the Sox.
"That is one of my wishes," Abreu said through a translator. "I wish just to spend my whole career with this organization. At the same time, you have to realize this is a business and that there are too many factors you can't control. I can't control that.
"I'm just glad to be here today, and I would like to enjoy every time, every day with this team. It's a great organization, and I would like to spend my whole career here."
Abreu and top prospect Yoan Moncada were teammates for a season in Cuba, and they worked well together in spring training.
Once Moncada joins the White Sox from Class AAA Charlotte, Abreu's positive influence on the 22-year-old second baseman also would be a factor.
"He has a lot of talent and we are waiting for him here," Abreu said.
May debuts:
In his first major-league game Tuesday, White Sox center fielder Jacob May was 0-for-4.
May struck out in his first 2 at-bats against Tigers ace Justin Verlander. He grounded out against reliever Justin Wilson in his third trip to the plate and had an RBI groundout off closer Francisco Rodriguez in the ninth inning.
"It was a great experience, obviously," May said. "First MLB game, getting the opportunity to get in the box and compete against of one the best pitchers in the game. It's good to start with (Verlander) and kind of go from there. I saw some good pitches. My first at-bat, I really worked him our a little bit, so I can take some positives away from that, for sure."
Walker released:
Keenyn Walker, the Sox's first draft pick (No. 47 overall) in 2011, was released Tuesday.
In six minor-league seasons, Walker had a .229/.326/.310 hitting line with 204 stolen bases in 605 games.
He spent last season with Class AA Birmimgham, where he slashed .240/.330/.340 with 21 stolen bases and 106 strikeouts in 329 at-bats.